Steve Vai Launches Vai Academy Song Evolution Camp

From June 23-27, Steve Vai and several of his friends will hold the inaugural Vai Academy Song Evolution Camp at the Gideon Putnam Resort in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Vai talks about the camp in the video embedded above.

Unlike similar ventures, the Vai Academy is not simply an opportunity to spend a few days jamming in proximity to some genuine rock stars. Instead, the Vai Academy will focus on all facets of what it takes to bring a song out into the world. This includes not just writing and recording, but other aspects such as mixing, mastering, copyrighting and marketing.

“I want everybody to learn how a song evolves and moreover how a career in music evolves," Vai said. "You're going to have fun, and you're going to leave knowing how to do this professionally. This is the entire manual for being an independent musician condensed into three days.”

But that doesn't mean there won't be time to shred. Joining Vai will be Vernon Reid of Living Colour, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (Steely Dan, the Doobie Brothers) and Guthrie Govan (Asia). All three guitar greats will conduct master classes.

Registration is limited to 150 guests. You can learn more about the camp at their website.